'We're Called Fascists And Nazis': Russian Americans Face Death Threats And Boycotts

Owners of Russian restaurants are calling out the harassment they've faced in the weeks since Putin invaded Ukraine, including death threats and vandalized property — even as they throw their support behind the Ukrainian people. Their businesses have been boycotted, with some losing up to 60% of their customers. "In the ‘80s ... we were called the Commies," says Vlada Von Shats, a third-generation restaurateur. "This time around, we're called the fascists and the Nazis. And it hurts."

Across the U.S., Russian immigrant communities have openly condemned the war and are using their spaces to help organize protests and fundraisers, sending money to support victims of displacement and violence thousands of miles away: "These people are coming with nothing. ... They need to start a new life. We’re here for them, whatever they need. We know what starting a new life is all about."

[thecodfather]

Crazy ain't it? That's how we Muslims felt after 9/11 and still feel it today.

[BisharpnearOhio]

As an American, seeing all those comments about ppl hating on Russians is just infuriating and sad like, ur generalizing an entire group of ppl just bc of one mean leader. How would u like it if u were discriminated from where u were born.

[victorbergman]

The irony for all of these "Slava Ukraini" people is that basically most Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainian Americans speak much more Russian than Ukrainian.

[roberthorst]

as a german who was called a nazi i feel your pain

[ironmantis]

As an asian who was called the china-virus, I can relate.

[tobyli]

The people who harass them are the true fascists

[polmphoto-]

There are 56 wars and conflicts going on across the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected.

[SICresinwrks]

Its beyond ridiculous to be ruining the property of these restaurants or review bombing them. Just because they have russian heritage doesnt mean they agree with putin. I hope that piano player gets enough to help his family Still in Ukraine

[dave_riots]

Blaming anyone other than the politicians and other elites that benefit from conflicts like this is very self-defeating. We should all come together in times like this.

[TianZhaoHeavenlyFortune]

Good glad to see you spotlight the Russophobia. Super happy to see this!

[jesseferguson]

Americans: preaching about anti-racism, multiculturalism and diversity
Also Americans: This does not apply to people from countries we don't like

[MetallicMonk]

Reminds me of what happened to German Americans back in the First World War where they got tared and feathered and states banned anything German related

[shzarmai]

This is pretty messed up tbh, I hope Russian Americans are doing fine ;)

[marklucca]

My wife's family immigrated from Vietnam in the mid 70's. some people spat on them, even though they were the biggest Anti-communist.

[NkoDmtryPoletv]

I can relate
I receive these messages from people. Just because I am Russian they already treat me as if I am Putin. I receive racists messages and slurs without even doing anything to anyone. It's sad.

[HerpaDerpaZX]

In a country of angry people, we just love to punch down while someone else profits from the hatred of our fellow neighbors

[brycem]

Half of Ukrainians have family in Russia and Russian family. Millions of Russians have Ukrainians in their family. Both Ukrainians and Russians live across borders, and lived together before their were borders. We are brothers and brothers dont fight

[joedavis]

... Americans need to look in the mirror...

[Bismut]

The lady at Russian Samovar seems pretty intelligent and chill. Will definitely try to swing by the restaurant next time I'm at Manhattan.

[louniece]

Humans can be so incredibly dumb! Ugh!